In This Issue
Glee in June – everything you need to know
Don’t miss out – register for Glee now
Who are the best buyers in the garden market?
Keep the tills ringing in 2023 with Primeur
Growing in pots easy as 1-2-3 with Clever Pots
Hozelock set to unveil exciting new products
Meadow View Stone gets ready to wow customers at Glee
Westland champions every gardener
Patio Black Spot - The complete garden stonework restoration system
Garden accessories help with mobility issues
Smart Garden returns to Glee with exciting new products
Evergreen Garden Care announces big changes
Glee 2022 on track for maximum capacity
Can you afford to miss the Glee Green Heart?
Europe comes to Glee 2022
Giving at Glee 2022
Home, Gift & Clothing
Glee Daily News brings you all the latest Glee news
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Glee in conversation with….UK garden centres
Have you started planning for your trip to Glee?
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To advertise in Glee Daily News 2020 contact alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Phone 01733 775700

 

Glee Daily News Newsdesk:

neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk

trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 

 


Glee in June – everything you need to know

This year marks an exciting new chapter for Glee as, following a period of extensive research and consultation, and in a move designed to better support the evolving needs of the garden retail sector, the 2022 event will take place in late June (28th-30th, NEC Birmingham)...


 

Throughout its 45+ year history, Glee – the UK’s largest and most prestigious garden trade event – has taken place in September. However, 2022 marks an exciting new chapter for the exhibition as, following a period of extensive research and consultation, and in a move designed to better support the evolving needs of the garden retail sector, the 2022 event will take place in late June (28th-30th, NEC Birmingham).

 

Here, the Glee organisers explains the reasons behind why the gardening industry will be congregating in high summer.

 

A new chapter for Glee in 2022

There is no question that the events of the last few years have cemented changes in the way we shop, which, in turn, has changed the way retailers look to onboard new and existing product orders. Demand for gardening products and associated sundries has grown exponentially, with two key sales periods being clearly identified – February to June, and September to December. Wanting to remain responsive to these changes has led Glee to a period of significant consultation, the results being one of the biggest changes that Glee has made for many years – a move to late June.

 

Better situated within changing buying cycles

Glee in June offers better synergies with buying cycles. With longer lead times – up to 12 months in advance - shaping professionalised buying practices, this change in the timing of Glee will provide improved access to products that meet peak seasonal sales demand and will enable retailers to forecast and manage these peak periods more confidently. 

 

Of those consulted, over 57% stated that lead times have extended significantly, making September too late to complete comprehensive buying for the year ahead. With a June date, retailers can undertake all their buying under one roof, minimising time spent on the road visiting showrooms, whilst also working with live data resulting from quarter one financial assessment and monthly range performance assessment, something that over 66% of those consulted confirmed they now undertake. 

 

 

The centre of the events calendar

Glee’s new date looks to also position the show more centrally within the wider exhibition cycle. Glee’s late June timing make it easier for many companies to exhibit at the NEC, by spring boarding from complementary events earlier in the calendar. The benefit for visiting retailers is that they will have even more choice and access to brands that they may not otherwise see. What’s more, access to Glee is improved for international visitors already on the exhibition trail in mainland Europe.  

 

Leaving space for Christmas

With Christmas driving the forward focus in September for many retailers, Glee moving out of this crucial space will enable retailers to concentrate on the key sales period like never before, safe in the knowledge that their spring and summer orders are in place and stock is winging its way to them when it is needed most.

 

Maximising DIY, grocery and home & gift sales opportunities

The benefit of Glee’s realigned timing is also well supported by suppliers, with 72% of those exhibitors consulted wholly supporting the move. June aligns with the supplier sell-in period to DIY and grocery accounts, whilst enabling an extended consultation period with garden centres. A move to earlier in the year also offers improved growth opportunities for home and gift retailers who want to maximise Christmas sales. 

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Don’t miss out – register for Glee now

Online registration for Glee is live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket for the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition...


Online registration for Glee is live, enabling buyers and retailers to get online and book their free ticket for the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition.

 

To register for Glee 2021, simply visit https://www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration and confirm your attendance at the show.

 

In addition to bringing together the biggest and most exciting showcase of established and emerging brands, Glee will also be a hotspot for cross-industry networking and will benefit from a rich educational and inspirational programme of content that is designed to arm retailers with invaluable advice to help grow their businesses.

 

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “Glee 2022 is set to represent the largest congregation of new and emerging brands from across eight thriving product sectors. This year’s edition of Glee will also benefit from a unique festival feel, thanks to the new late June timing. With such an exciting new chapter for Glee on the horizon, and buzz building already, this is an event not to miss!

 

“Whilst visiting gleebirmingham.com, why not also view the wealth of wider information that is available, helping you to plan your trip around the show. With so much content and so many exhibitors ready and willing to do business, you’ll find that a visit to Glee can be a fully packed three-day agenda, so time spent pre-planning will pay dividends onsite.” 

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  

Who are the best buyers in the garden market?
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Glee Buyers Power List Awards, the winners will be celebrated at Glee in June

When the industry gets together at the NEC in June this year Glee will once again be celebrating the best buyers of garden, leisure and pet products in the Glee Buyers Power List...


When the industry gets together at the NEC in June this year Glee will once again be celebrating the best buyers of garden, leisure and pet products in the Glee Buyers Power List.

 

To acknowledge the continued pressure buyers are still experiencing and the high levels of professionalism across the wide range of products the feature in garden, leisure and pet retailing there are twelve Glee Buyers Power List categories this year and nominations can be made in any of the categories for buyers from independent garden centres and retailers, buyers of high street and DIY retailers and buyers from on-line retailers.

 

 

Nominations are now being sought from growers, suppliers, agents, wholesalers and retailers for the following categories of buyers and buying teams:

  1. Plants buyer/buying team of the Year
  2. Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year
  3. Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year
  4. Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year
  5. Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year
  6. Pet buyer/buying team of the Year
  7. Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year
  8. Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year
  9. Online buyer/ buying team of the year
  10. Overall Multiple Retailer Buying Team of the Year – (hardware, DIY, high street)
  11. Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more
  12. Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores

Nominations close on Friday 10th June 2022 after which voting will commence to decide the winners of the Glee Buyers Power List for 2022.  Nominations can be made using this form or by e-mail to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk.  All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence.

 

The Glee Buyers Power List has celebrated the excellence of buying in the Garden, Leisure and Pet markets annually since 2015.  Last year’s winners included:

 

Marcus Cousins – Aylett Nurseries, Duncan Wills – Stewarts Garden Centre, Darran Oakley – Squires, Dan Kirby – British Garden Centres, Emma Davis – British Garden Centres, Chessington Garden Centre, Claire Bryce - Barton Grange, Longacres, Chris Slack – Frosts, British Garden Centres, Aylett Nurseries.

 

 

The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List 2022 will be announced live at Glee 2022 on Tuesday 28th June 2022 at 5:00pm, just before the Glee party!

 

 

Nomination Form:

 

I nominate the following buyers/buying teams for the Glee Buyers Power List 2022:

 

Plants buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Pet buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

On-Line buyer/buying team of the Year

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Overall Multiple Retailer Buying Team of the Year – (hardware, DIY, high street)

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores

Buyer/Team Name……………………………………… Retailer Name……………………………………………………….

Why nominated:…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Nominated by:…………………………………………………….of:………………………………………………………………

 

e-mail address:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

All nominations will be handled in strictest confidence

 

 

Send your completed nomination form to Glee Buyers Power List c/o GTN, Potting Shed Press, Dairy Drove, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0TX or e-mail your nominations to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk by 10th June 2022 or vote on line using the On-LIne Glee Buyers Power List 2022 form 

Keep the tills ringing in 2023 with Primeur
Stand 6J38 – 20A39

Primeur will be back at Glee this June (28-30, NEC Birmingham), showcasing their Recycled Rubber Garden ranges with even more profit boosting lines and merchandising support to help garden retailers keep the tills ringing this autumn and long into the 2023 season...


 

Primeur will be back at Glee this June (28-30, NEC Birmingham), showcasing their Recycled Rubber Garden ranges with even more profit boosting lines and merchandising support to help garden retailers keep the tills ringing this autumn and long into the 2023 season.

 

Look out for the Primeur stand in Hall 6 (stand 6J38 – 20A39) where a new layout will make it easier than ever to get up close and personal with the multi-award-winning Tierra Verde range of self-watering planters, EZ Borders garden borders, EZ Ways stepping-stones and EZ Tile decking solutions, all made from 100% recycled rubber tyre crumb. 

 

To avoid missing out, Primeur is encouraging any interested retailer to book a slot with the team, enabling them to allocate time to walk you through the full product offering, showcase Primeur’s benchmark setting merchandising displays, and update you on the steps the brand is taking to ensure consistent availability both now and always. 

 

 

Innovation at the heart of Primeur

If you’ve attended any of the industry awards ceremonies in recent years you would have become familiar with Primeur as the team has collected nine leading industry accolades, including Glee New Product awards in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. 

 

The reason for the ever-growing trophy cabinet is simple. Primeur continues to deliver exciting innovation that delivers on quality, design, functionality and drives the sustainable agenda.  This year will be no different with new innovation set to join the 2023 line-up. Full details are currently under wraps and will be revealed at Glee in June.

 

 

Order now for autumn & beyond

With Glee taking place in an earlier timeslot in late June, Primeur has confirmed that the event will allow them to help retailers make the most of the forthcoming autumn sales opportunities.

 

Working tirelessly over the last few months and benefitting from lessons learnt during the height of the pandemic, the Primeur team has not only curated a market-leading, trend-led product portfolio full of proven sellers but they have also ensured that stock is on the ground much earlier, providing retail customers with consistent supply when it is needed most, supported by three-to-five-day delivery times.

 

Create a pallet display that works for your customer demographic

In addition to showcasing bestselling products, visitors to Primeur’s stand will also be able to find out more about the company’s pallet merchandisers and personalised stocking support. 

 

Pre-stocked and fully merchandised these ‘plug and play’ displays could not be easier to position and to start selling. To further support this, the Primeur team also work with individual retailers to identify their key sales patterns and bestsellers, helping to curate a fully stocked and individual unit that will see consumers coming back again and again.  

 

To date, Primeur has helped to repurpose over 5 million tyres in the last year alone

  • Planters remain Primeur’s bestsellers with over 50% of its sales in garden ranges being planters. Hot on the heels of planters if borders which account for 30% of garden centre sales, with the remaining 20% made up of stepping-stones and decking solutions.
  • In fact, Primeur’s popularity has soared so high it is reporting a 156% YOY growth for the 2021/22 season!

Get in touch

To find more about Primeur’s 2023 offering, please contact the team on 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.uk or visit www.primeur.co.uk

Growing in pots easy as 1-2-3 with Clever Pots
Stand 6A60

Whatever the size of the outdoor space, the Clever Pots range of pots and accessories helps make growing in pots easier for both the novice and experienced gardener...


 

Whatever the size of the outdoor space, the Clever Pots range of pots and accessories helps make growing in pots easier for both the novice and experienced gardener.

 

Clever Pots products support the whole growing season, from propagation to plant care with products which are unique, sustainable and great value. 

It’s as easy as 1 2 3.

 

Step 1 Pot

Our range of pots and planters are weather resistant, UV colour stable, reusable across seasons and made to last. Clever Pots are made from 20-60% recycled plastic and all our products are reusable and recyclable.  Available in a range of sizes and colours – terracotta, charcoal, sage or orchid.

 

Step 2 Hydration

Add clever pots reservoirs or hydroballs to the base of the clever pot to keep plants watered for longer.

 

Step 3 Location

Add clever pots range of accessories; wheels, feet, wall brackets, drainpipe pot holders, wire hangers or plant supports to display clever pots on patios, fences, walls and drainpipes – making the most of any outdoor space.

 

Established in 2019, Kin Brands Ltd is a UK based consumer products company. We develop brands and thoughtfully designed products packed with features and benefits as a better way to get jobs done in the home and garden.

 

We’re delighted to be the Glee Official Programme Sponsor for 2022 and exhibit at Glee for the second time.

 

Come and see why clever pots are clever in Hall 6, stand A60, or to arrange an appointment with us email us at contact@kinbrands.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-brands-ltd

Facebook        clever pots

Instagram        @clever_pots

Twitter             @kinlimited

Website           www.kinbrands.com

Hozelock set to unveil exciting new products
Stand 20D60-E61

Hozelock will be returning to Glee in June to reveal a variety of new, innovative products – including new watering solutions and accessories, as well as entering brand-new markets... 


 

The nation’s love of gardening has soared over the last two years, as it has been a key past time and source of relaxation and escapism for many people, from budding first-time gardeners to the most active, experienced gardeners. 

 

With more than 60 years of horticulture experience, Hozelock is dedicated to meeting the needs of gardeners and will be returning to Glee in June to reveal a variety of new, innovative products – including new watering solutions and accessories, as well as entering brand-new markets.  

 

The new portfolio includes an overhaul of Hozelock’s range of oscillating sprinklers, to introduce three new designs that offer 3D control; allowing users to control the range, direction and width of water sprayed with unique individually controlled jets. The new oscillating sprinklers have been designed to save water by allowing the user to specify the exact area watered, which reduces wastage as part of Hozelock’s commitment to sustainability, while enhancing the user experience by providing larger coverage and ensuring they don’t get wet with the inclusion of an on/off feature. 

 

In 2023, Hozelock will also be introducing a new nozzle, offering an advanced solution to the popular standard nozzle design which has been part of the core product range for more than 30 years. The new Plus Nozzle features an ergonomic soft-touch grip, to increase comfort during use, as well as three spray settings to increase the versatility of the product and its number of uses. 

 

Hozelock will be entering a new market, with the introduction of a new Solar Shower, which will capitalise on the growing outdoor living trend. Using solar energy, water up to 60 degrees will be produced and can be temperature controlled with the inclusion of a mixer tap – making it ideal for gardens, pools, hot tubs, camping and caravanning. 

 

Make sure you join Hozelock in Hall 20 Stand D60-E61 for a first look at the new range of Hozelock products.

Meadow View Stone gets ready to wow customers at Glee
Stand 6E20-G21

The team at Meadow View Stone have been working hard to bring a selection of new products and improved retail solutions to their strong product offering for 2023...


 

The team at Meadow View Stone have been working hard to bring a selection of new products and improved retail solutions to their strong product offering for 2023.  

 

Boasting their biggest stand yet, the company is set to wow customers with a flagship display of their premium quality products and merchandising solutions, together with introducing a collection of:

  • new products, 
  • new ranges, 
  • new packaging, and 
  • improved retail solutions.

New products

The company’s exclusive decorative aggregate collection is boosted by the addition of several exciting new gravels, pebbles and chippings, further positioning the company as the market leaders in product innovation within this category.  Nine new products will feature, including a new collection in full colour packaging, along with a new rockery stone. 

 

New ranges

An external display stand, featuring a collection of eight pot-topping gravels, slates and pebbles will also be launched in full colour stylish handy-pack bags.   Having witnessed a large upsurge in the sales of smaller graded Alpine Grits/Gravels across its customer base, the business is set to launch a new collection of Alpine Gravels in full colour packaging too. 

 

New packaging

The company’s foundation products also get a re-vamp to make the collection more in-keeping with the existing ranges.  The new impactful designs are bright and clearly display the products main applications on the front of the bag. This informative approach helps end users select the correct material for their projects.

 

Improved retail solutions

A new way to retail/display their rockery collection will also be unveiled.  This new display unit will assist both retailers and customers by making the collection much safer to shop, whilst giving retailers a much-improved visual display and a hassle free and safe way to replenish stock AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.

 

Halewood International will once again be hosting the Company’s hospitality area and the Meadow View team would love to invite all customers onto their stand with a view to offering their expert advice and award-winning customer service for 2023 and beyond.

 

Come find us on stand 6E20-G21

Westland champions every gardener
Stand 20F60-G61; 20F40-G41

Westland’s mission is to champion all types of gardeners, from beginners who are planting up their first container, to allotment growers for whom gardening is their main hobby...


 

Westland’s mission is to champion all types of gardeners, from beginners who are planting up their first container, to allotment growers for whom gardening is their main hobby.

 

Westland provides them all with the solutions they need for success, striving to help make their gardening dreams come true. 

 

To ensure great a consumer and customer experience, it’s critical we deliver exceptional quality products, that exceed expectations and provide tangible value.

 

Our new Westland Live portal streamlines the ordering process and, is on our Glee stand to demo.

 

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do , promoting wildlife, boosting wellbeing, and continuing to make our products and packaging more environmentally friendly.

 

Examples include the new Child and Pet Friendly range of lawncare, plastic free packaging on Peckish and 1.6 million pieces of plastic eliminated from our hardware range for 2023.

 

With Boost in your can, you can! Back on TV and with a full communication package worth over £1.5 million, Boost will enter its second year of spreading joy and boosting blooms across UK and Ireland.

 

There’s many more new products, so watch this space for more details from Westland as we get closer to Glee.

 

Glee Stand F60-G61; F40-G41

Gardenhealth.com

 

 
Patio Black Spot - The complete garden stonework restoration system
Stand 6A80-B81

The Patio Black Spot Removal System is not just a patio cleaner; it’s a complete garden stonework restoration system, that gives both stunning and, virtually instant results!


 

The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd, manufacture and supply a unique range of  premium  garden cleaning solutions, for restoring old, or maintaining new patios, pathways and garden ornaments.

 

The Patio Black Spot Removal System ® is not just a patio cleaner; it’s a complete garden stonework restoration system, that gives both stunning and virtually instant results!

 

Following awards at RHS Chelsea 2020, GLEE 2019 and at the Garden Retail Awards 2015, 2016 and 2017,  The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd has become synonymous with the Garden Retailing market as a manufacturer of Premium garden stone cleaning products, producing stunning results, within a matter of hours.

 

 

Their flagship product range , the three different Patio Black Spot Removers, have been further improved by the addition of  Unique Euchan2® Technology. 

Based on the addition of Euchalyptus, its interaction ensures that the Lichen absorb the solution completely. 

 

Thus , by penetrating the root, which anchors the Lichen to the stone, this releases their limpet-like adhesion, allowing both the surface, and subsurface growth to be easily removed, without damaging the stone, using water to irrigate the dead root from the surface.

 

Removing the root prevents the regrowth of the black lichen spots, removing the need to retreat the area.

 

This new technology separates The Patio Black Spot Removal System , completely,  from other patio cleaners, currently available,  for the following reasons:

  • It doesn’t rely on acid burning or bleaching of the surface ,or the use of pesticides. The former will dissolve limestone and stain sandstone orange, not to mention destroying surrounding plants
  • As the product does all the work, it reduces the need to over pressure wash, thus reducing damage to surface of the stonework.
  • Multi-layers of both black lichen and white fungi , that have accumulated over 70 or 80 years, can be readily removed.
  • By reducing the reliance on pressure washing, the system increases the longevity of garden stonework, preserving both the appearance and the value of investment.

See us at Glee 2022.  Stand 6A80-B81

 

Order now at https://www.patioblackspotremoval.com

 

Or call 0800 500 3032

Garden accessories help with mobility issues
Stand 19H44

Gardening accessories brand fenceBUDDY was created by Kim O'Brien who designed products for her own plot despite struggling with mobility issues...


Gardening accessories brand fenceBUDDY was created by Kim O'Brien who designed products for her own plot despite struggling with mobility issues.

 

Kim takes up the story: “As someone who always wanted a lovely colour-filled garden but had little time, when I retired through my own mobility struggles I searched for garden accessories that would help me bring life and colour to our garden without the need for tools and no bending or kneeling as I struggle to not only get down but also get back up again!

 

 

“I soon realised that there wasn't anything suitable, so began designing myself. I had a local fabricator make me samples and when friends and neighbours saw the designs they wanted to know where they too could buy them. That's how fenceBUDDY was born and retirement ended.

 

“My products are no-tools required, recyclable, multipurpose, long-lasting and for every level of gardener to bring colour and interest to their gardens all year round. Not only can plants be grown up the trellis but the new design S Hooks mean that decorations, planters and more can be hung from the trellis or over the fence panels. 

 

“The fenceBUDDY trellis is made of powder-coated aluminium so is weatherproof and lightweight, can be moved around your fences and won't damage the panels. There are a couple of other products in the range currently, my goal is to build a brand with year round products to appeal to and decorate gardens for all seasons.

  

“To ensure the best value and quality for all my designs, I have sourced manufacturing abroad.  With approx 18% of the UK population having some kind of mobility impairment, a further 6% with more serious disabilities, and 100% of gardeners looking to enjoy easier gardening, the market potential is huge.”

 

You can see fenceBUDDY products in the Innovators Zone at Glee (stand: 19H44).

 

Smart Garden returns to Glee with exciting new products
Stand 20C40-D41

Smart Garden Products is delighted to be returning to the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show...


Smart Garden Products is delighted to be returning to the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show.

 

Brand new to the Smart Garden Products portfolio is Outdoor Heating. We are launching a comprehensive range of fire pits, chimineas and electric heating under the brand Havana… Feel the Heat!

 

The Smart new product line-up would never be complete without a host of new development in Solar Lighting, with innovation across all three Solar Lighting brands - Smart SolarSuper Bright and 365 Solar. Furthermore, 2023 will see the introduction of a new range of Hybrid Solar/Battery powered water features.

 

The ultimate no-fuss floral displays have had a facelift for 2022/23. Alongside new product development within Faux Décor, including garlands, trellis, and exceptionally authentic rose trees, we have revamped and renamed our Easy Basket collection with improved designs… now known as the Regal Basket collection. Our exuberant Flamboya collection continues to inspire customers to spice up their gardens with a stunning range of colourful and eye-catching designs. 

 

Building upon the successful launch of Useful in 2021, our Growing, Fixing and Tidying ranges feature new products for the coming season. The Useful range retails in cardboard recyclable packaging, providing consumers with an easy eco-choice when topping up on garden sundries and accessories. Our high quality GroZone concept continues to be a hit with green fingered gardeners. New products have joined the assortment for 2022/23.

 

There are many more products being introduced across all the Smart product categories, so be sure to visit us and see the latest innovation firsthand – we are looking forward to seeing you.

Evergreen Garden Care announces big changes
Stand 20C40-D41

With 3 million new gardeners to delight and inspire since 2019, Evergreen Garden Care is making exciting changes with the focus on satisfying and responding to the ongoing needs of its customers...


 

With 3 million new gardeners to delight and inspire since 2019, Evergreen Garden Care is making exciting changes with the focus on satisfying and responding to the ongoing needs of its customers. 

 

This Glee, EGC is excited to showcase four big brand implementations - from new colours and formats to big environmental changes. 

 

Evergreen Garden Care will be exhibiting at Glee – stand number (20C40-D41) and looking forward to welcoming all its customers and visitors. 

 

For more inspiration, please visit www.lovethegarden.com.

For more product information, please visit https://evergreentrade.co.uk/

 
Glee 2022 on track for maximum capacity

Glee 2022 is on course to maximise its allocated floorspace with over 85% of the show already occupied and over 400 exhibitors anticipated to be exhibiting this June...


Poised to topple pre-pandemic numbers, Glee 2022 – which is entering a new chapter this year with a move to a late June time slot within the exhibition calendar – is on course to maximise its allocated floorspace with over 85% of the show already occupied and over 400 exhibitors anticipated to be exhibiting this June.

 

Suppliers and manufacturers new and old have been quick to capitalise on the ongoing popularity of gardening, recognising that Glee is the place to be seen by leading buyers from the multiple and garden centre sector, high street stores, e-commerce giants, home & gift retailers, plus representatives from builders’ merchants, garden designers and landscapers. Now, with just over two months to go until the show takes place, interested parties are urged to book their space now to avoid disappointment.

 

Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “The appetite for Glee 2022 has outstripped any of our expectations. With an anticipated 400+ exhibitors set to fill four halls of the NEC, this year’s event will be bigger and more vibrant than before, proving that our sector is stronger than ever, and that innovation is helping to create an exciting future for gardening. 

 

“With a maximum capacity show on the horizon we are keen to work with any brands wanting to exhibit at the show to ensure they don’t miss out.”

 

Get set for Glee

This year’s event will deliver more value than ever for both suppliers looking for new and enhanced retail listings, and for those retailers that are wanting to source new and unique brands to help set their offering apart. Featuring eight dedicated show sectors - Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decoration, Food & Catering, Retail Experience & Services, Outdoor Entertaining, Home, Gift & Clothing, Plants and PAW for pet and animal wellbeing - the 2022 edition of Glee will be home to thousands of the most exciting product innovations and merchandising support tools to ensure that the 2023 sales season is the most exciting yet.

 

Supporting Glee’s three-day schedule will be a host of live content including the Glee New Product Awards, home to the newest product launches; the Buyers Power List, a celebration of those buyers and buying teams that go above and beyond; plus an unrivalled schedule of seminar content created to provide insight and thought-provoking debate on those issues shaping the garden retail sector and driving consumer demand. In a move to support visitors further, it has been confirmed that all seminar content will be made available online after the show.

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

 

Register now!

Registration for free entry to Glee 2022 – 28th-30th June – is now open. 

 

Simply visit www.gleebirmingham.com to secure your ticket and get ready to connect with quality exhibitors, nurture existing relationships and grow new ones at the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show.

 
Can you afford to miss the Glee Green Heart?

The horticultural hub of Glee, the Green Heart is THE place to see the latest indoor and outdoor plant varieties from a range of leading growers...


 

The horticultural hub of Glee, the Green Heart is THE place to see the latest indoor and outdoor plant varieties from a range of leading growers.  

 

An integral part of the show each year, the central atrium location makes Glee Green Heart one of the best attended parts of the show, as buyers and owner/operators from across the garden retail sector flock to this dedicated showcase to optimise the ever-growing popularity of green living. 

 

Get ready for bulging order books

Taking place in late June (Tuesday 28th – Thursday 30th), Glee 2022 and the Green Heart are set to benefit from increased transactions taking place, as buyers confirm the importance of placing orders at this time of year. What’s more, with houseplants continuing to drive sales and capture a new gardening audience – latest Euromonitor International data shows houseplants saw the biggest year-on-year sales uplift at 25% - there has never been a more important time to ensure your latest houseplant offering is front and centre.

 

With order books poised to be filled, the show organisers have made it easier than ever to be part of this must-see section of Glee. All participants have access to high-quality merchandising display units, providing them with a blank page for displaying their latest varieties and showcasing the trends that will shape the 2023 season. As taking part within the Glee Green Heart is also heavily subsidised, participating growers can access Glee’s unrivalled audience without the expense so often associated with trade events, there is still some space available to exhibit  . Like all exhibitors, those in the Green Heart can also enjoy an unrivalled portfolio of marketing, PR and social media support, helping to announce their presence to thousands of horticultural buyers.

 

 

Showcase your best side

The light filled atrium space allows all plants to be displayed at their best, with a dedicated Green Heart ‘Best Merchandising’ award adding a touch of friendly competition. Last year the award was won by Hills Plants, which not only made its debut at Glee but at exhibitions in general.

 

Talking at the awards ceremony in 2021, Hills Plants’ Assistant Production Manager, Laura Marner, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award. It means so much to get this kind of recognition, especially during our debut year at Glee, and it has certainly helped us to generate conversation with those retailers that have visited the Green Heart.”

 

It wasn’t just Hills Plants that recognised the value of the Green Heart. New Leaf Plants called the 2021 event its ‘best-ever Glee’, whilst Golden Grove Nursery, a Glee exhibitor for over 30 years, saw new and existing customers, all of whom placed orders for the year ahead.

 

 

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “The Green Heart is a really important part of Glee and is designed to put plants right at the centre of the show but, more than this, we want to arm retailers and growers with a platform to communicate – whether in regard to what’s new or how to better drive sales in-store. 

 

“After a significant period of growth for plants, this year’s Glee Green Heart will be more vital than ever. This year’s event will provide plant suppliers and growers with a cost-effective solution for showcasing their latest ranges, to owners and buyers from an unrivalled selection of UK-based independent garden retail businesses, as well as from many of the chains, multiple groups and complementary garden retailers.”

 

Plants will also be celebrated through Glee’s New Product Showcase with the dedicated Garden Plants, Seeds and Bulbs award, which last year was scooped by MNP Flowers and its Granvia® Pink Flame Imp – a crispy Xerochrysum.

 

How to exhibit at the Glee Green Heart 2022

Growers interested in exhibiting at Glee’s Green Heart can find out more at www.gleebirmingham.com or by calling +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

 
Europe comes to Glee 2022

This year’s edition of Glee will be home to the show’s biggest contingent of global brands since 2019, bringing together a spectacular showcase of European design and a window into how gardening is developing in international markets...


This year’s edition of Glee will be home to the show’s biggest contingent of global brands since 2019, bringing together a spectacular showcase of European design and a window into how gardening is developing in international markets.

 

Leading the way will be the Netherlands contingent. Featuring a host of prominent Dutch gardening brands alongside emerging names, this strong international launchpad will rival mainland European events which often play host to these bellwether companies. Look out for Elho, Kaemingk, Capi Europe, Kapiteyn B.V., Edelman, Madison B.V., Impulse Plants B.V., Bonfeu, JAVADO, 200 Fahrenheit, Plenty Gifts, Green Inspiration Plants, and Smiemans Projecten B.V.

 

French suppliers, including Forest Style SAS (Soulet / Cerland), Vertiable SAS, Paysagea SAS and Hareau (Weenect), will similarly see their exhibition presence increase thanks to Glee’s new partnership with Team France Export, Business France and the Choose France™ initiative, which has been set up to shine the spotlight on the uniqueness of French design to a wider global audience.

 

Also, joining the Glee 2022 exhibitor line up will be key suppliers from Germany - including Scheurich and Burstenhaus Redecker Gmbh - as well as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Norway and Poland, completing the European lineup. Canada, India, Korea and a small Chinese delegation will similarly be showcasing new products and services from these unique consumer markets.

 

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “It’s great to see so many more European and global brands joining us at Glee this June. There is no question that our new dateline position has opened up the potential of Glee to a much wider audience, enabling them to access Glee’s platform at a more convenient time within the buying and events calendar. 

 

“We’re excited to host these important brands onsite at the NEC and welcoming back a selection of leading European companies that have not presented their ranges at Glee for some time. I have no doubt that visitors will welcome the variety of products and international trend insight that this portfolio of companies will together provide.”

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

 

Register now!

Registration for free entry to Glee 2022 – 28th-30th June – is now open. 

 

Simply visit www.gleebirmingham.com to secure your ticket and get ready to connect with quality exhibitors, nurture existing relationships and grow new ones at the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show.

 
Giving at Glee 2022

Glee will welcome a number of new initiatives, all designed to help the show’s exhibitors and visitors to “give back” and protect the planet, reduce waste and raise vital funds for the industry’s charity, Greenfingers...


Glee will welcome a number of new initiatives, all designed to help the show’s exhibitors and visitors to “give back” and protect the planet, reduce waste and raise vital funds for the industry’s charity, Greenfingers.   

 

Grow My Tree

With sustainability no longer an option but an imperative, this year Glee is on a mission to help everyone at the exhibition to fight climate change by planting trees with its official climate partner, Grow My Tree

 

Every attendee at Glee 2022 will be able to plant a tree free of charge.  Grow My Tree will work in partnership with one of its local operators within the global south (Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania), where the environmental, social and economic leverage is greatest, and the impact of each tree planted will take effect quickest. A code to access this ‘free tree’ offer will be provided to all attendees post-event.

 

Exhibitors will also be offered the opportunity to purchase up to 440 trees at a discounted rate, helping to offset almost 100% of their annual COemissions* with every tree absorbing upwards of 22kg of CO2 per year. Further details on how to purchase these trees can be found in the E-Zone. 

 

Show your love for Greenfingers

Time to dig out your boldest floral shirt, dainty flowery dress and everything in-between as Floral Thursday is back and ready to raise funds for the Greenfingers charity.

 

Taking place on Thursday 30th June – the final day of Glee 2022 – Floral Thursday is a special fundraising activity where it is hoped that the thousands of visitors and exhibitors at Glee will come together to show their flower power in aid of Greenfingers’ ongoing fundraising activities. Anyone that has reached for the floral clothing – from ties to socks to shirts and suits – will be invited to purchase a raffle ticket which will enter them into a prize draw to win fabulous prizes whilst, more importantly, helping to top up the annual fundraising total of the children’s hospice garden charity.

 

Last year, at Glee 2021, Floral Thursday raised over £2,000, and an even larger total is hoped for this year.

 

Further supporting the Greenfingers charity, entries into the Glee New Products Showcase in 2022 can help to raise much needed funds. Any brand that enters the awards can donate their product sample, where it will be auctioned by Greenfingers’ Bedford-based auction partners, W&H Peacock. Similar auctions have raised thousands for the charity, funds which help Greenfingers to continue to build therapeutic gardens in children’s hospices throughout the country.

 

Taking steps to reduce waste onsite

Becoming more sustainable is a key part of the development of Glee, which is why the organisers will be working closely with the NEC and all of their suppliers to ensure that steps are taken to reduce the potentially negative environmental impact that each event cycle can have. Guided by the ‘NEC Sustain’ Policy – an all-encompassing sustainability programme that focuses on the different elements that make up the reality of an exhibition including energy, waste and food – Glee will look to minimise everything from a reliance on plastic to introducing more water fountains, and even sourcing catering from local suppliers to minimise food miles.

 

Glee will also be working with Event Cycle to help exhibitors remove and repurpose any items that otherwise would have been thrown away. Event Cycle help reduce waste from events and create a positive social impact in the process. 

 

Item donated by exhibitors are given to charity and community groups, as well as back into the events industry. Exhibitors can find out more about this initiative by visiting the Exhibitor Manual.

 

Introducing onsite welfare rooms

New for 2022, anyone present at Glee will be able to access a dedicated onsite welfare room. It will provide a quiet place to take a break or give additional support to anyone that needs it, no matter the reason. 

 
Home, Gift & Clothing

See what the UK’s premier garden centre & gift exhibition has to offer in these crucial market sectors...


 

Not only have many of the UK’s garden centres become amongst the most successful destination retail outlets in the country, but gift stores have also seen their audience increase as consumers look to source, more than ever, unique and heartfelt gifts for loved ones and to mark special occasions.

 

As the most important trade event for the gardening, leisure and outdoor living sectors, Glee brings together the whole of these vibrant and eclectic industries under one roof and serves as the central hub for face-to-face trading, networking, and the growth of new ideas across eight dedicated show sectors.

 

This year Home, Gift & Clothing will take pride of place alongside Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decoration, Food & Catering, Retail Experience & Services, Outdoor Entertaining, Plants and PAW (Pet and Animal Wellbeing). This year’s show is set to welcome over 400 exhibitors, of which an estimated 40% never before seen at the show, making this year’s event bigger and more vibrant than before.

 

Giftware buyers will be able to access a wide range of brands offering everything from outdoor clothing ranges and picnicware to seasonal decorations, games, toys and books, as well as complementary brands and products from Glee’s wider offering. All these brands are keen to do business with gift buyers from both garden centres and gift shops, with a combined offering that is designed to work both this season and beyond, thanks to new dateline which has positioned the show within a more convenient time within the annual buying cycle.

 

Brands returning to the Home, Gift & Clothing sector will include Woodmansterne with its new plastic-free range of beautiful, artistic greetings cards; APAC, distributor of leading home fragrance brand, Bolsius Candles; sock specialists, HJ HallTilnar Art, which has a beautiful range of environmentally friendly and fairly traded gift and homeware products; and the multi-award-winning publisher, Willsow, with its range of plantable children’s books.

 

New brands set to make their debut in the Home, Gift & Clothing sector of Glee this year include Vent for Change, with its high profile range of ethical and eco-friendly stationery; organic tea suppliers, English Tea Shop; the sustainable ladies’ fashion experts, M&Co; indoor play specialists, KidzplaySummit/PMS International with an excellent and broad-ranging selection of camping equipment and the biggest publisher of greetings cards in the country - UK Greetings - with its huge range of award-winning greetings cards, gift dressing and social expressions.

 

This year’s edition of Glee will have a real summer festival feel and promises to be an enjoyable event for visitors, as well as offering a superb product sourcing platform. Making the most of the summer weather will be a new outdoor demonstration area – Fire, Grill & Chill – which will do exactly what the name suggests whilst giving outdoor entertaining brands a chance to show what they’re made of!  

 

As ever, Glee will continue to be a hot bed for all the latest product innovations to hit the market. Whether it’s new additions for the autumn sales period, updates to bestsellers or even trend-led innovation set to shape spend in 2023, Glee will be home to it all. Don’t forget to also make a beeline for the Glee New Product Showcase where the newest inventions and novelties will be on display, providing retailers with unrivalled inspiration and the chance to grab the something unique for their 2023 retail offering.

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

 
Glee Daily News brings you all the latest Glee news

The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News..


The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.

 

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

  • Glee Preview - 21st June
  • Glee Build-up LIVE! - 27th June
  • Glee Day 1 LIVE! - 28th June
  • Glee Day 2 LIVE! including Glee New Product Award results - 29th June
  • Glee Day 3 LIVE! including Floral Thursday for Greenfingers photo gallery - 30th June
  • Glee 2022 Omnibus issue - 28th July

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details. 

 
Get your copy of GTN Xtra

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...


with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...the best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

 

Subscribe for free using this link

Glee in conversation with….UK garden centres

Glee catches up with a handful of forward-thinking garden retailers to find out more about how they shop the show. Pictured, from left to right: Boyd Douglas-Davies, Simon Bourne, Ian Richardson and Tammy Woodhouse.


Glee catches up with a handful of forward-thinking garden retailers to find out more about how they shop the show, what they’d like to see more of from exhibitors this year and what impact the new dateline will have on their buying cycles. Pictured, from left to right: Boyd Douglas-Davies, Simon Bourne, Ian Richardson and Tammy Woodhouse.

 

How do you shop Glee?

British Garden Centre’s Boyd Douglas-Davies certainly gets his steps in and covers some serious ground around the halls. He explains: “Personally, I cover the whole show many times. Last time I checked my pedometer, I was walking over 10 miles a day at the show! For me, the New Product Zone is essential viewing at the start of the show, as it creates the ‘must learn more’ list. As nice as it is to see the tried-and-tested suppliers, it is really important to look at the new exhibitors, as they may hold the key to the future.”

 

Ian Richardson, Managing Director of Garsons, with centres in Esher and Titchfield, also makes the most of every minute he and his team spend at the show: “I tend to walk the hall, line by line, so I don’t miss anything. We always look at innovation in the New Product area and, if we see anything we like, we make a note to seek them out when we are walking around.”

 

Simon Bourne, Garden Centre Manager at Perrywood Garden Centre shares his tried-and-tested technique: “We normally visit all of our existing suppliers and spend a differing amount of time with them, depending on what new products they have to show, how they have performed as a supplier and what we are looking to change. We make sure we see as many other suppliers – new and old – as well and will often place orders with companies we haven’t worked with before.”

 

Keen to be efficient with her time at the show, Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director at Millbrook Garden Centres says that her team, “goes to Glee with a plan”. She explains: “There are always people we must see, and we do make some appointments. We try to walk every aisle and see everything. It means we don’t miss anything.”

 

Do you take a large team with you?

“We take as many people as we see necessary, which is quite a large number, but that’s because they're all needed and there's so much to learn,” explains Boyd. “We have buyers and a support team for all categories represented at Glee. Gardening will be there for the duration and even our gift buyer will go for a day.”

 

Tammy tells us her team will be out in force. “Our buying team is quite small – there’s only three in the team – but, this year, I think there will be seven of us going to the show. We will take the category managers for each department, so they can have an input into the range.

 

Ian says: “I like to take as many people as possible, so they can see how it’s done. They work with the reps all the time, so it’s nice to get face time with them at the show.” 

 

One thing that retailers are particularly enthused about is the unrivalled opportunity that Glee presents for their buyers to compare offers from a wide range of leading suppliers, with so many key exhibitors together under one roof. 

 

Boyd says: “The way the show is laid out means there is a real comparison opportunity, so you can assess Westland versus Evergreen, for example, then go and take a look at what Vitax is up to. It doesn’t matter how many reps you see regularly; it doesn’t beat being able to hoof it up and down at the show and look at six suppliers, comparing their offer and considering what will sell better in your business. It allows me to really look into the product.”

 

What do you look out for from exhibitors and is there anything you wish you they would do differently or more of?

Simon Bourne from Perrywood is very clear on this: “Inspiration!” he says. “Packets on a shelf are boring but bring something new to the show and it creates an atmosphere. I love to see plants on a stand too.”

 

Meanwhile, Boyd believes exhibitors are missing a trick when they have something new and exciting to talk about. “It surprises me when people don’t push ‘new’ as a message. I wish they would all highlight new products on their stand. Also, I’m looking for suppliers to present new ways to increase our sales, which, of course, increases their sales.”

 

Ian says: “We look out for new or different products, innovation and any new suppliers we don’t already deal with. We’re glad they’re not pushy and don’t grab you in the aisles.”

 

As well as looking for products to create differentiation, Tammy and the Millbrook team are also seeking products and companies with strong green credentials. She explains: “Increasingly, we are looking for newness and innovation. I know all garden centres go to the show, but it is nice to find something a bit different.

 

“For us particularly, we are also looking for the sustainability of products. That might be a reduction in packaging, if it is made in the UK, and so on, because these are the questions that we’re getting asked. I think exhibitors could shout about sustainability a bit more. A lot of suppliers are on board with the issue already, but I think there’s loads more we could do, as an industry.”

 

How important is Glee to your buying cycle each year?

“Very!” says Perrywood’s Simon Bourne, in Tiptree, Essex. “It gives us an opportunity to compare suppliers against each other, check we have the right products and ensure that we have the best mix for our customers.”

 

Another retailer that places great value on Glee is Boyd Douglas-Davies who enthuses: “For us, it’s the most important show in the year, as it covers so many categories. Over half of our business is garden. We offer other categories, but gardening is still core to our business, and Glee is the number-one show for gardening.”

 

Ian from Garsons, explains how his team utilises the show. “We use Glee to source new suppliers and also take the time to talk to existing suppliers. Glee is where we do our ranging; we do the research and plan our ranges, then follow up with purchases.”

 

Tammy Woodhouse echoes the sentiment: “It’s really important. We have always previously waited until Glee to start the ranging process… We try to see everything when we are there, determine what’s new and we then use that as a basis to move forward.”

 

What do you think of the new June timing of Glee?

“For us, the timing is great because it’s at the end of the season, so you know what sold well and you can make more informed decisions at the show, when all that information is fresh in your mind,” says Ian Richardson

 

Like Ian, Tammy from Millbrook believes having the show hot on the heels of the season will be beneficial. She says: “In a way, waiting until September was starting to become too late. The good thing is that spring will still be fresh in our mind when we attend in June. It’s how we shop other categories, like Christmas, so could work well.”

 

She adds: “Also, there are increasing supply chain issues, which mean we are now under growing pressure to order earlier and earlier. 

 

Boyd Douglas-Davies is very positive about the June timing, stating: “I think the move is great. The manufacturing world has changed, and we need to guarantee stock is in front of our customer when they want it. With the increased interest in gardening, the season has extended in both directions, so placing orders earlier is essential. The old Glee was too late for this new world order. June is therefore logical.”

 

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To find out more about exhibiting visit www.gleebirmingham.com

Have you started planning for your trip to Glee?

This year’s Glee is set to be bigger and better, with hundreds of garden and leisure brands coming together under one roof for a jam-packed three days. But, with so much on offer in such a short space of time, have you started putting a plan in place to make sure you shop the show effectively?


 

This year’s Glee is set to be bigger and better, with hundreds of garden and leisure brands coming together under one roof for a jam-packed three days.

 

Buyers across the industry have the new date in their diary and know this year’s show is the place to be to network, see the latest launches and seek out exciting innovation and new trends.

 

But, with so much on offer in such a short space of time, have you started putting a plan in place to make sure you shop the show effectively and don’t miss a trick? If not, don’t panic because we have a few top tips on getting ahead of the game.

 

Bring the right people 

The first thing to get straight is who you’re taking to the show. Fewer bodies mean less ground covered and fewer conversations had, so there is everything to be gained by turning out in force. Glee is a great networking opportunity and the chance for many of your team to get some valuable face time with existing suppliers, as well as make introductions to potential new ones. It is also the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with products and really assess what’s on offer from key suppliers before making any crucial range reviews. 

 

Leading retailers and Glee veterans will tell you that they like to have as many relevant buyers as possible on site to help them divide and conquer. Boyd Douglas Davies of British Garden Centres explains: “We take as many people as we see necessary – which is quite a large number – but this is because they're all needed and there's so much to learn!” He adds: “We have buyers and a support team for all categories represented at Glee. Gardening, for example, will be there for the duration and maybe even our gift buyer will go for a day. It doesn’t matter how many reps you see regularly, it doesn’t beat being able to hoof it up and down at the show and look at six suppliers, comparing their offer and considering what will sell better in your business.”

 

Ian Richardson of Garsons added: “I like to take as many people as possible, so they can see how it’s done. They work with the reps all the time, so it’s nice to see them at the show.”

 

If you only have one day

You won’t be able to see it all but you can still make a dent with one day at Glee. The key is to be prepared, so check out the exhibitor list online beforehand and earmark the suppliers you want to see while you’re there. Make a note of their stand number and plan a route, so you’re not traipsing across halls and back again. You can also view their product range and any press releases on gleebirmingham.com, so you can do a bit of research and jot down any products that pique your interest and you’d want to see in the flesh.

 

To make life even easier, why not download the Glee Connect app, so you have everything at the touch of a button on a mobile or tablet. 

 

Some people like to make appointments, others don’t but, if you are in the former camp, then make sure you’ve got those in the diary before the big day. If you are anti-appointments, then just have a few conversations with people in the lead up to the show to let them know you’re going to be there, so you can keep an eye out for one another.

 

Get there early! 

The show opens its doors at 9:00am and if you want to maximise your time, don’t waltz in mid-morning because you will kick yourself when you weren’t able to get everything done. Also, it’s a great time to go onto stand, have a look around, and grab some exhibitors for a chat before the foot traffic really picks up and you’re fighting a crowd.

 

Pick up a show guide on your way in, seek out the New Products Showcase – the first port of call for any Glee veteran wanting to get the inside scoop on what new products could be keeping the tills ringing in the year ahead - and get walking. Boyd Douglas Davies says he was clocking up more than 10 miles a day at Glee last year, so you’ll definitely be covering some ground!

 

If you have two days

You still have to be smart with your time, so everything above still applies but you will have a bit more freedom to browse and to re-visit anything that caught your eye the day before. The beauty of coming back for a second bite of the cherry the next day is that you’ve had time to make sense of the blur of information, new faces, products and opportunities that greeted you on the first day and can return with a more formulated plan and even keener sense of what you’re looking for. Trends might have jumped out to you as you digested what you all saw the day before and, having two days at Glee, means you have time to re-group, bring your team together to share findings and get back out there with those eagle eyes. The British Garden Centres buyers don’t miss a trick. “We have a team meeting every day where we swap notes and catch up on what we’ve seen,” says Boyd.

 

If you have three days

You’ve blocked out three days in your diary to really make the most of the show – great plan! So, not only will you be able to work your way around the aisles and have all the conversations you want to have, but you will also be able to enjoy the incredible line-up of live content on offer, which is designed to help retail businesses tap into key trends and opportunities. 

 

We know the New Product Zone is a popular feature at the show and many buyers make a beeline for it when they first arrive but, what they may not check out are the New Product Awards or supplier pitches. Find time to attend this and you will gain a greater understanding of the new products making waves in the garden sector.

 

Equally, Glee’s timetable of inspiring seminar content is worth taking a seat by The Stage for. Glean insights from this year’s line-up, which includes predictions from leading trend experts, industry professionals sharing tips, ideas and best practices, plus research into consumer buying behaviour. 

 

If any of the talks clash with your plans or you want to re-cap what you saw, you can now watch content on demand after the show has closed. Register here for instant access.

 

Have you registered yet?

Register now and get planning for Glee 2022. With e-tickets available to access via email or your mobile device, accessing Glee could not be easier or quicker. 

 

Get connected

Download the Glee Connect app today for the chance to:

  • ‘match make’ with brands before the show
  • search for suppliers and products quickly and easily
  • use the chat function to send messages to exhibitors before, during and after the exhibition
  • stay up to speed with what’s happening on the show floor 
  • view the seminar schedule and plan your visit

Reminder for exhibitors

Don’t forget that the Exhibitor Manual is now live, so hop online and populate your profile to help make it even easier for retail buyers to identify you and your product offering.

 

Login here and get updating now, so that visitors can find all the info they need about your company and your offer.

 

 

Find out more 

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.